The Christmas season is portrayed as a glorious time of love, celebration, and cheer. That’s why when I heard the song “I Hate Christmas Parties” by Relient K for the first time when I was in college, it made me immediately stop and think. 

The final lyrics of the song say, “I hate Christmas parties. You offer me some punch, but I just shrug. I hate Christmas parties. You and the cookie tray both hear me say ‘Bah! Humbug!’”

Although the song is sad, it points to a truth that many people attempt to ignore during the holiday season: sometimes, Christmas just isn’t merry or bright.

Reasons it’s not so Merry

The Christmas season can bring unhappiness for many reasons:

• A recent death of a loved one
• Happy couples all around when you are single
• Happy families when yours seems to be falling apart
• Lack of finances for presents, or even basic bills

It’s easy to say, “Just brush it off and be happy,” but it’s obviously not that easy. I clearly remember the ache of the first Christmas without my paternal grandparents, who died in the same year within six months of each other. I remember being miserable in a family situation and all the “happy family” Christmas cards I received that year made me roll my eyes.

Maybe you too are dealing with something on this list. Maybe it is something completely different, but is still keeping you from celebrating much during this Christmas season.

I just want you to know that I’ve been there. I feel your pain, and many others reading this probably do too. It’s always important in times of sadness to remember you’re not alone. We are more vulnerable to the lies of Satan when we are alone and that, obviously, is never a good place to be.

Two truths to remember when Christmas isn't Merry. Click to read! Click To Tweet

Two Truths to Remember

No matter what you may be going through this Christmas season, I wanted to end this on a positive note and leave you with a few reminders 😊.

Truth 1: It’s OK to hurt

Emotional pain and grief takes time to work through. However, I want to remind you of Proverbs 34:18, “The LORD is near the brokenhearted; He saves those crushed in spirit.” Even though you may hold your pain back because it may ruin other people’s “joy”, God is not like this. He is always there, he knows your pain, and is always ready to listen.

Truth 2: Celebrate the Birth of Christ

To hopefully add some redemption to Relient K’s Christmas album, there is a song called “I Celebrate the Day.” The most meaningful lyrics state, “I, I celebrate the day that you were born to die, so I could one day pray for you to save my life.”

That, dear sister, is a reason to celebrate! The gift of salvation is truly the best gift ever given! Jesus was born so they we could one day be washed clean of our sins and follow after him. 

What a glorious gift indeed. 

In closing

I hope if you find yourself in a not so merry state of mind that you found this post helpful. Also, please share with anyone you think may need it. 

Love to all, 

-Sarah

P.S. I have published two books for the Christmas season. The first is called For Unto Us: A 15 day devotional tracing Christ’s birth from prophecy to the manger and the second is The Special Wreath: An explanation of the Advent Wreath for small children. Click on the titles or the graphics below to learn more!

More about our Ministry

At Transformed4More, our goal is to help those who want to grow in their relationship with God, and we do this in two main ways:

• The first is by providing resources. We have our own and ones we recommend. Click here or the graphic below to see them.

• Another way is through social media. We are most active on Instagram, but we update and connect on Twitter,  Facebook,  Pinterest, and YouTube as well!

• We also have a newsletter we send out every few months with updates as well! You can join it by clicking here.